MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
2 From the MBF President
3 Young Lawyers Division Update
4 Diane’s Deli: AI Responsibility
5 Swearing-In Ceremony
5 Upcoming Events
6 Kelly Durden: Reconnecting with
Purpose
6 Bar Leadership Institute Dinner
7 Bar Foundation Campaign
7 Tackle your CLE Requirements
8 Agency Spotlight: Legal Hand
Call-in Center
9 MBA Law Student Series: Dahvier
Alston
10 Softball Champions
11 Court Communiques: Justice for All,
Access for You
14 Sections Calendar
15 Volunteers Needed for Diversity
Conference
A publication of the Mecklenburg Bar Association / 26th Judicial District Bar Vol. 54 No. 3 ©2026
Mecklenburg Bar News
A MESSAGE FROM MBA PRESIDENT MESHA SLOSS
For many civil legal aid organizations in our area, this year’s
(abrupt) transition from summer to fall was marked by more
than just changing temperatures. Since 1983, the North Carolina
Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program has
provided critical grants to support civil legal aid organizations
across the state without the use of state tax dollars. In 2025, NC
IOLTA awarded nearly $12 million in grants, over $11 million of
which was directed toward civil legal aid organizations. Recent
legislative changes signed into North Carolina law on July 7,
2026, have mandated unprecedented changes to the program,
including significant restructuring of the allocation of and
eligibility for grant funding. On the heels of 2025’s NC IOLTA
funding freeze, these changes deal another critical blow to the
already-strained budgets of many local civil legal aid organizations.
In this special edition of the MBA President’s column, guest author Larissa Mañón, chief
executive officer of Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (CCLA), shares thoughts on these
changes and the impact they will have in our community.
You can read more about the full suite of legislative changes to the NC IOLTA program at
nciolta.org.
THE IMPACT ON CIVIL LEGAL AID: A PERSPECTIVE FROM LARISSA MAÑÓN
NC IOLTA was created in 1983 with the purpose of funding civil legal aid. Civil legal needs
are basic needs – food, safety, shelter, health care, stability – and as of 2021 in Mecklenburg
County, over 300,000 of our low-income neighbors are eligible for help with these needs, with
only one civil legal aid attorney for every 10,000 eligible clients. In June of 2025, we abruptly
learned that the North Carolina General Assembly would be freezing grantmaking from NC
IOLTA. This immediate change in funding significantly affected all civil legal aid organizations
across the state, leading to reduced services, reductions in force, and office closures. For CCLA,
it accounted for close to $1 million of lost funding from our annual budget, funds that were
intended to support pro bono services, technology expenses, humanitarian relief for immigrant
survivors, and more.
FROM THE MECKLENBURG BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
November/December 2026
NC IOLTA Funding Changes: What They
Mean for Civil Legal Aid
By Mesha Sloss, MBA President and
Larissa Mañón, CEO, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Continued on Page 13
Mesha Sloss
Larissa Mañón
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
FROM THE MECKLENBURG BAR FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
For over 60 years, the Mecklenburg Bar
Foundation (MBF) has believed that public
service, professionalism, and respect for
the rule of law go hand-in-hand. When
we put our hands together in support of
these ideals, we ensure that everyone in our
community, from our youngest voices to our
oldest, has an opportunity to access the legal
system.
Sweeping changes to funding sources
have rippled across North Carolina, and
the impacts are already being felt here in
the Mecklenburg County legal community.
Office closures, staffing cuts, and shuttered
programs directly impact the services that
keep the wheels of justice turning. That’s
why your MBF committed over $80,000 in
grants over the next year to support local
legal service agencies serving our most
vulnerable neighbors in their time of need.
At the 2026 Law & Society Gala, we
announced that a $50,000 emergency grant
would be delivered to the Charlotte Center
for Legal Advocacy (CCLA) to reestablish
the Child Advocacy Program (CAP) that
was formerly administered by the Council
for Children’s Rights following its closure.
The Child Advocacy Program provides
independent, best-interest representation
to children involved in high-conflict custody
and visitation disputes that often involve
mental illness, substance abuse, domestic
violence or physical abuse. Thanks to this
$50,000 MBF grant, CCLA was able to
support a staff position that is tasked with
ensuring that these important services
continue. As of September 2026, we are
pleased to report that this position has
been filled and the staff at CCLA are well
on their way to getting this program up and
running again. This is the largest single grant
award in the history of the Mecklenburg Bar
Foundation and it was made possible by
your support.
In addition to this grant, the Lawyers’
Impact Fund, the MBF’s annual grant-
giving campaign, has reoriented to focus
on organizations that provide legal
representation, advocacy, or education.
These organizations support civic
engagement, prevent criminal recidivism,
and provide community support to at-
risk youth. Your support for the 2026-27
Lawyers’ Impact Fund will support the
following grants:
Children’s Advocacy Center of Charlotte
(formerly Pat’s Place): The grant will support
the forensic interview program, which
provides a safe environment for victims of
child abuse and sexual assault to tell their
stories to trained professionals, thereby
taking their first steps toward justice.
International House: The grant will ensure
staff attorneys have access to the most
up-to-date training in immigration and
naturalization law as they guide clients on
their pathway to citizenship.
Larry King’s Clubhouse: The grant will
provide the Mecklenburg County Courthouse
daycare center with cleaning supplies,
diapers, and other childcare items. A fully
stocked daycare center allows caregivers and
parents to handle court business and serve
on juries.
Lift Up Carolinas: The grant will support
the Mecklenburg County Teen Court,
which offers an alternative justice system
for first-time juvenile offenders ages 12 to
17. This peer-led program gives youth the
opportunity to accept responsibility for their
offenses while emphasizing accountability,
personal growth, and civic engagement.
These essential grants are not possible
without YOUR support. Please visit
MeckBar.org/Donate to give to the 2026-27
Lawyers’ Impact Fund today.
By Mandana D. Vidwan
Keeping Justice Within Reach - Together
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MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
Fall is here, and so is a busy season for the
Young Lawyers Division (YLD). I’m happy to
share the latest on what your YLD Council
has been doing, what we have coming up,
and how you can get involved. This update
covers a lot of growth and a strong sense
of community, and there’s plenty more to
come.
BUILDING A STRONGER YLD, TOGETHER
The YLD Council has been working on two
goals that matter to all of us. First, we want
to improve the benefits and resources we
offer young lawyers as they move from law
school into practice. The early years can
be both exciting and challenging, and we
want every new attorney in Mecklenburg
County to know the YLD is here to help with
mentorship, professional development, and
a group of peers going through the same
things.
Second, we want to deepen our involvement
in the Charlotte community and give
attorneys a real way to serve it. Many lawyers
want to give back but aren’t sure where to
start. The YLD wants to be that starting point
by connecting our members with meaningful
service opportunities.
CELEBRATING OUR GROWTH
As of early October, the YLD now has over
600 active young lawyers. Welcome to all of
our new admittees! This number reflects the
energy and talent in our local Bar and the
value our members find in working together.
Growth also brings responsibility. With so
many new and returning members, the
Council is focused on making sure every
member feels welcome and connected. Our
Community Service and Social Committees
are planning events so members have plenty
of chances to meet, build relationships, and
take part.
RECAP: AN EVENING AT THE PUTTERY
For our Fall social, the YLD hosted an
event at The Puttery, and the turnout was
excellent. New and returning members came
out for indoor mini golf, great food, and
drinks. Like all of our socials, the evening
gave attendees a relaxed, fun setting to
network, catch up with old friends, and meet
new ones. Thank you to everyone who came
out, and to our Social Committee for putting
together such a great event!
There are many more social events ahead.
Every YLD member, along with members of
the greater Mecklenburg Bar Association, is
warmly invited. Whether you’re a regular or
have never been to a YLD event, we hope to
see you at the next one.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY
In October we continued our partnership
with the Humane Society of Charlotte for our
annual community service project, led by the
Community Service Committee. This is one
of our favorite events of the year.
Volunteers met at the Humane Society,
gathered much-needed supplies for pet
owners in our community, and then delivered
those items along routes planned by
Humane Society staff. The project is fun and
collaborative, and it helps local pet owners
who need a little support keeping their furry
friends happy and healthy.
WELCOMING OUR NEWEST COLLEAGUES:
2026 SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES
On October 8, the 2026 Swearing-In
Ceremonies welcomed a new class of
attorneys to the profession. Both Vice Chair,
Maya Davis, and I were honored to attend
these ceremonies to personally welcome
our new admittees to the North Carolina Bar
at the Federal Courthouse. A swearing-in
marks a major milestone, and we want every
new admittee to know from day one that
they have a community behind them here in
Mecklenburg County.
GET INVOLVED
Our YLD Council includes outstanding
committee chairs and vice chairs who give
their time and talent to make our programs
possible. We are always glad to add more
A MESSAGE FROM THE YLD CHAIR
Continued on Page 12
LAWYERSMUTUALNC.COM
LAWYERS
MUTUAL
A mission to help.
People who care.
Protection that counts.
By Michael C. Peretz
YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
Artificial intelligence is no longer a
hypothetical issue for North Carolina lawyers.
Generative AI can summarize documents,
help develop arguments, assist with
discovery, conduct research, and prepare
drafts far faster than traditional methods.
But it also presents risks involving accuracy,
confidentiality, professional judgment, and
billing. The guiding principle is simple: AI may
assist with the work, but it does not assume
professional responsibility for it.
AI is Permitted, but the Lawyer Remains
Responsible
In November 2024, the North Carolina State
Bar adopted Formal Ethics Opinion 1, Use
of Artificial Intelligence in a Law Practice.
The opinion expressly permits lawyers to
use AI, provided they do so competently
and securely, protect client confidentiality,
properly supervise its use, and exercise
independent professional judgment when
reviewing its output.
The opinion applies familiar ethical duties
to a new technology. Rule 1.1 requires
competence, including an understanding
of the benefits and risks of technology
relevant to a lawyer’s practice. Rule 1.6
requires lawyers to make reasonable
efforts to prevent unauthorized access to,
or disclosure of, client information. And
the rules governing supervision continue
to apply when lawyers use outside
technological services.
A lawyer need not become a computer
scientist to use AI, but a lawyer who chooses
to use it must understand enough about the
technology to recognize its limitations and
review its output appropriately. AI can help
generate research terms, develop an outline,
summarize materials, identify potential
counterarguments, assist in document
review, and prepare a first draft. The ethical
risk begins when assistance becomes
reliance.
One of the most familiar risks of generative
AI is “hallucination.” In legal work, that
may mean an invented case, a fabricated
quotation, or an inaccurate description of
an actual decision. North Carolina recently
saw the consequences firsthand. In Doe
v. University of North Carolina System, the
U.S. District Court for the Western District
of North Carolina identified serious errors
in counsel’s filings, including citations to
two cases that apparently did not exist,
nonexistent quotations attributed to actual
cases, mischaracterizations of holdings,
and authorities that did not support the
propositions for which they were cited.
Counsel acknowledged that many of the
errors resulted from misuse of AI and failure
to verify its output.
DIANE’S DELI
By Mikaela Brown, MBA
Communications Committee Chair
ARTI F I C I A L I NT ELLIG E NCE , RE AL RE SPO NSIBIL IT Y:
The Use of AI in North Carolina Legal Practice
A PRACTICAL AI CHECKLIST
1. Do I understand the tool? Know
enough about its capabilities and
limitations to use it competently.
2. Am I entering confidential
information? Understand how
the system stores, uses, and
protects information before
entering client data.
3. Have I independently verified the
output? Read every case. Check
every citation and quotation.
Confirm that the authority actually
supports the proposition for which
it is cited.
4. Does the court have an AI-specific
rule? Check applicable local rules,
standing orders, and judge-
specific requirements before filing.
5. Does the client need to know?
Routine technological assistance
may not require disclosure,
but substantial delegation or
confidentiality concerns may raise
different obligations.
6. Is my bill accurate? AI-assisted
efficiency does not justify
charging for time that was not
actually spent.
Continued on Page 12
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
UPCOMING
EVENTS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
HON. JAMES B. MCMILLAN
FELLOWSHIP DINNER
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Union at Station West
This event includes the presentation
of the 20th Julius Chambers
Diversity Champion Award to
Judge Aretha V. Blake and a
panel discussion discussing how
Judge McMillan’s ruling in Lilly v.
Harris Teeter Supermarket (1983)
helped shape our local corporate
environment and its relevance in
today’s labor law landscape.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
LINK & LEAD: CHARLOTTE
FELLOWSHIP SUMMIT
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Alston & Bird
Full-day seminar for lawyers with all
levels of experience. Includes panel
discussions, activities, networking
and skill-building.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19
MEMORIAL SERVICE HONORING
HON. DONNIE HOOVER
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mecklenburg County Courthouse
Room 6370
Join us to honor the life and service
of the Honorable Donnie Hoover.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
MBA HOLIDAY PARTY
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Celebrate the season with fellow
MBA members! Plus enjoy a special
comedy sketch featuring Alex King
and Sean Kett, better known as “Just
Two Engineers.”
Continued on Page 12
On October 8, 110 newly licensed attorneys were officially sworn into the North Carolina Bar
during three separate ceremonies at the Federal Courthouse.
The Mecklenburg County legal community came together to celebrate this important
milestone, with remarks from 26th Judicial District Bar President Graham Billings, Mecklenburg
Bar Association (MBA) President Mesha Sloss, MBA Past President Sarah Stone, and MBA
Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Chair Michael Peretz and Vice Chair Maya Davis.
The North Carolina oath was administered under the guidance of 26th Judicial District Court
Judge Elizabeth Trosch and Superior Court Judge Donald Cureton Jr. The federal oath was
administered under the guidance of U.S. District Judge Matt Orso, Senior U.S. District Judge
Frank Whitney, and U.S. District Judge Susan Rodriguez.
The 26th Judicial District Bar and MBA extend their sincere gratitude to all the participating
judges and everyone who helped make this milestone occasion possible.
Special thanks also go to:
•
YLD Membership Chair Brian Daza, Vice Chair Ke’Aria Morgan and Secretary/Treasurer
Charles Melcombe for assisting MBA staff in coordinating sponsors for new admittees
•
Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court Staff: Helena Chancellor, Andy Eubanks,
Yvette Fuller, Jamell Garner, Marquicia Hatcher and Tracy Simmons
•
Federal Clerks for the Western District of North Carolina for their ongoing sponsorship of
the swearing-in ceremonies
•
Federal Courthouse staff and security for hosting these ceremonies
•
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s deputies
•
Attorney sponsors who introduced the new admittees to the court for admittance
•
Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance Company of N.C. for their continued support
•
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Photos from all three ceremonies are available at facebook.com/MeckBarAssociation. The next
Swearing-In Ceremony will take place this spring.
New Attorneys Welcomed at
Fall Swearing-In Ceremony
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
Legacy to Liberation:
Reconnecting with Purpose
Through the Power of Place
By Kelly Durden, MBA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
As a public interest attorney and dedicated mother of three, I love
the idea of getting some time away to rest and recharge. However,
“getting away” is often easier said than done. This summer, when I
saw some friends and community partners were organizing what they
referred to as a community “pilgrimage” to Alabama, I was hesitant
to sign up. As it turned out, the three-day trip left me with a renewed
passion for advocacy and an unexpected desire to connect with other
legal professionals in pursuit of purpose-driven legal initiatives.
The trip to Montgomery, Alabama, was called “Legacy to Liberation”
and was sponsored by The Lee Institute, the Freedom Center for
Social Justice, and local advocacy leaders. The concept was to bring a
diverse group of leaders particularly interested in social justice for the
LGBTQ+ community together and show how grassroots organizing
efforts in the Deep South planted and nourished seeds of change. The
trip included visiting three Legacy sites on the Equal Justice Initiative
(EJI) historical education tour and facilitating discussions we could all
use to inspire our work back in North Carolina. Of the 25 attendees,
three of us were attorneys and members of the Mecklenburg Bar
Association.
I remember planning the trip and expecting to see dirt roads leading
to historically significant homes and bronzed plaques highlighting
where Rosa Parks was arrested. I imagined it would be a recap of
what I’d learned in high school about the Civil Rights Movement and
how ordinary people who were incensed by injustice went on to
become civic leaders and make change. I thought I’d take pictures
and buy
postcards
to remember
what I had seen
in person to compare
with what I’d read in the
past.
Surprisingly, I found myself being more connected to the soil I
stepped across through the outdoor historical sites. No photos were
allowed in the museums and I truly had time to experience every
exhibit around me. I felt the shared pain of realizing just how difficult
it must have been to stay the course in pursuit of justice while trying
to live through some of the most economically depressive but
collectively hopeful time periods of our nation’s history. This tour was,
to say the least, an experience I won’t soon forget.
Upon reflection of this summer’s Legacy to Liberation, I realized
there is absolutely no substitute for experiencing a place and space in
person. We can easily satisfy our visual senses with Google searches
and AI explanations of what we can learn from historical sites and
memorable points in the past. However, I was reminded that there
is power in experiencing through hearing, smelling, touching and
being in the presence of another place while learning lessons from
the past. As I re-connect with my own mission as a lawyer, advocate,
leader and community member, I will intentionally take time to fully
experience the moments that energize my spirit for the work I love.
Join us Thursday, January 21, as we
welcome the Bar Leadership Institute Class
of 2027 at the annual BLI Kickoff Dinner.
The evening will bring together Bar and
Foundation leadership, BLI alumni, and
special guests to welcome the incoming
class and celebrate the impact of BLI. This
year’s program will include remarks from
Chris Lam, BLI Class of 2007 and Partner at Bradley, LLP.
Event Details:
The Terrace at Cedar Hill, Charlotte
Thursday, January 21
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BLI Alumni: Join the Celebration!
Reconnect with fellow graduates and make new memories at the
dinner. We’ll do our best to seat classmates together, so be sure to
indicate your class year when registering. The evening will wrap up
with a group photo of BLI alumni.
Support the Celebration:
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this popular event. Visit
MeckBar.org/BLI for details.
Registration opens in mid-November. For questions, contact Meghan
Tinkham at mtinkham@meckbar.org.
Celebrate the Class of 2027 at the Bar Leadership Institute Kickoff Dinner
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
Thursday, November 5
Beyond the Bar: Rethinking Retirement
in the Legal Profession
Hosted by the Sole Practitioner/Small Firm Section
11:00 a.m. | Zoom Webinar
Thursday, November 12
The Practice of Professionalism:
Lessons from Leaders in the
Mecklenburg County Legal Community
8:00 a.m. | In Person
Wednesday, November 4
Learning Litigation Skills and Ethics
from the Lincoln Lawyer Season Four
1:00 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
Thursday, November 19
Developments in North Carolina
Healthcare Workforce Law
Hosted with the NC Society of Healthcare Attorneys
9:00 a.m. | In Person
Tuesday, November 17
AI May Kill Us All—but First, It Could
Get You Sanctioned
9:00 a.m. | Zoom Webinar
Tuesday, December 1
The NC Supreme Court’s New Ruling
on Personal Goodwill
Hosted by the Family Law Section
12:00 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
Monday, December 7
This CLE Is Not a Scam!
12:00 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
Thursday, November 19
Changing the Game, Changing
Charlotte: From the Shrine Bowl to a
Civil Rights Legacy
Hosted with the Kirkpatrick Foundation and
the Levine Museum of the New South
6:00 p.m. | In Person
Friday, November 6
14 Annual NC Business Court CLE
th
Hosted by the Business Law Section
8:00 a.m. | In Person
TACKLE YOUR CLE
TACKLE YOUR CLE
REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
TACKLE YOUR CLE
REQUIREMENTS
Don’t fumble your credits - register
now and knock out your CLE
requirements before the season ends.
2027 CLE
Forecast
View all upcoming CLEs at MeckBar.org
There’s a flurry of fresh CLE on
the way for 2027.
Check your Tuesday CLE eBlast each
week for newly added programs!
WITH CLE ON-DEMAND
Get Cozy
Earn your CLE hours on your time, at
your pace, in your space with our
on-demand catalog
MeckBar.org/on-demand
Join the firms, legal departments, corporations and individuals contributing to the Bar
Foundation Fund, the annual Law & Society Gala, the Legal Eagle Charity Golf Tournament,
the Bar Leadership Institute and the 2026 McMillan Fellowship Fund Event. The Mecklenburg
Bar Foundation believes that the legal community has the power to better our community
as a whole by giving back. Don’t miss your chance to join your friends and colleagues in
supporting the 2026-27 Bar Foundation Fund. Thank you for supporting your BFF!
FIRM/BUSINESS SPONSORS
PLATINUM ($5,000 & Up)
Lowe’s Legal
GOLD ($2,500 - $4,999)
Robertson & Associates*
SILVER ($1,000 to $2,499)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC*
Robinson Bradshaw*
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Veritext Legal Solutions
Wells Fargo Legal Department*
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP*
BRONZE (Up to $999)
Elon University School of Law*
Gardner Skelton PLLC*
Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm*
Hamilton Stephens Steele & Martin, PLLC*
Harman Law, PLLC*
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Parton Law, PLLC*
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
BENEFACTOR ($1,000 - $2,499)
Michael L. Martinez*
Ann & D. Blaine Sanders*
SUPPORTER ($300 - $999)
Julie M. Bradlow
Emma Butterworth
Shawna Dye Culik
Matthew & Kelly DeAntonio*
Ross Fulton*
Michael C. Harman*
W. Coker Holmes*
Lori R. Keeton
Judy Mayo
Pender R. McElroy
Tim Misner
P. Barrett Morris*
Ashley Oldfield*
Randel & Emily Phillips*
R. Lee Robertson, Jr.*
Mesha Sloss*
In memory of Frederick W. Ford
M. Quince Thompson
Hon. Louis A. Trosch, Jr.*
Mandana D. Vidwan*
CONTRIBUTOR (Up to $299)
Emily S. Carney
Benjamin S. Chesson
Phillip Scott Chubb
W. Scott Cooper*
Michel C. Daisley
Ana G. Delgado Hualde
Lacey M. Duskin*
Catherine El-Khouri
Terrence Fails
Hilary Fankhauser
Debra Lee Foster*
K. Shawn Garrett
Matthew E. Gerber
Rachel D.R. Hamrick
Caleb Holloway
Amy Howard*
James Kim
Hon. Alyssa Levine*
Hon. J. Rex Marvel
Sherri L. McGirt
Larissa Mañón*
Hon. Samantha C. Mobley*
In memory of Judge Donnie Hoover
Justin William Moore
Laura Nolan
Leslie Pedernales
2026-27 Bar Foundation Fund Campaign
Continued on Page 14
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
When people encounter a civil legal
problem, their first question is often not
“How do I find a lawyer?” It is more basic:
“What is happening, and what should I do
next?”
Someone receives court papers they do not
understand. A tenant gets a notice from a
landlord. A parent knows there is a custody
problem but has no idea what process
applies. None of these situations necessarily
begins as a legal crisis. But without timely
information, they can become one quickly.
That is one of the clearest lessons from
Legal Hand NC, a statewide call-in center
launched in 2025. Trained community
volunteers provide legal information,
referrals, and navigation assistance on
common civil legal issues. They do not
give legal advice. Instead, they help callers
make sense of what is in front of them
and identify a reasonable next step. As I
described in the Fall 2026 North Carolina
State Bar Journal article, “Legal Hand NC:
Bringing Legal Information Within Reach,”
the model is built around a simple idea:
people should not have to wait until a legal
problem has become a crisis before they
can access reliable information and help
find their way forward.
We often talk about the access-to-justice
gap in terms of lawyers: who needs one,
who cannot afford one, and whether
representation is available. That is an
essential part of the conversation. But it can
obscure something equally important. Many
legal problems begin with confusion, not
litigation.
People may not know whether their
problem is legal at all. They may not know
what court handles it, whether a deadline
applies, whether a form exists, or whether
an organization they found online can
actually help them. They may already have
called several offices and been turned away,
not because no help exists, but because
they started in the wrong place.
For someone familiar with the legal system,
these may seem like threshold questions.
For someone outside it, they can be the
entire problem. That is why information and
navigation matter. They do not replace legal
advice or representation, and they should
not be treated as substitutes when those
services are needed. But they can help
people reach the right kind of assistance
sooner and make better use of it when they
get there.
A person who understands what a court
notice means is in a better position to
respond. A tenant who knows what
process comes next is less likely to miss
an important deadline. A parent who
understands the difference between
custody, child support,
and divorce can ask
more focused questions.
A targeted referral can
spare someone from
spending days calling
offices that were never
equipped to help.
The larger point is simple:
access to justice is not
one door. It is a series of
pathways. Some lead to
full representation. Others
lead to brief advice,
self-help materials,
mediation, court forms,
or a knowledgeable
person who can explain
what comes next.
Local bar associations
and individual lawyers
can help make those
pathways easier to find.
Help People Find
the Right Step
AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
By Sylvia Novinsky, director of the NC Pro Bono Resource Center and Center Attorney for Legal Hand NC
Continued on Page 14
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
For North Carolina Central University
School of Law student Dahvier Alston, the
path to the legal profession did not begin
in a courtroom. It began with technology,
problem-solving and a desire to have a more
direct impact on the people and communities
around him.
Alston, a second-year J.D. candidate at NCCU
School of Law, earned his undergraduate
degree in Political Science from Clemson
University before beginning a career as an IT
consultant supporting federal government
clients. His work required him to take
complex client needs, translate them into
technical solutions and then communicate
those solutions to stakeholders.
After approximately three years in the
workforce, however, Alston began to think
differently about the kind of impact he
wanted his career to have.
“I learned that I had a passion for solving
complex problems, but I wanted to have a
more direct impact on the lives of the people
I was helping,” Alston said.
The decision to attend law school became
more personal when his own family needed
legal assistance and struggled to understand
how to navigate the legal system. That
experience helped clarify what he wanted his
next chapter to look like.
Alston wanted to become an attorney who
could combine problem-solving with clear
communication, someone his family and
community could depend on when the legal
system felt difficult to navigate.
A mentor, Dr. Christopher Miller, encouraged
him to consider NCCU School of Law because
of the school’s history, mission and impact
throughout North Carolina. Alston ultimately
chose NCCU because of what he describes as
its genuine commitment to its students and
its longstanding mission of expanding access
to legal education.
That decision has served him well. Alston
currently ranks in the top five percent of his
class and was a finalist in the Dean Mary
Wright Opening Statement Competition.
He credits much of his success during his first
year of law school to lessons learned before
he ever entered law school.
Years in the workforce taught him how to
structure his time, remain disciplined and
continue working through demanding
periods. Just as important, his professional
experience taught him the value of
collaboration.
Rather than approaching law school as an
individual competition, Alston brought a
team-oriented mindset into his study group.
“A rising tide lifts
all boats.”
That approach allowed students to challenge
one another, explain difficult concepts in
different ways and benefit from perspectives
they may not have considered on their own.
During his 1L summer, Alston brought those
lessons to Mecklenburg County through the
Charlotte Legal Clerkship Program. He spent
seven weeks with Poyner Spruill LLP and
three weeks with Continental Tire’s in-house
legal department.
The experience gave him something law
school alone could not: the opportunity to
see two sides of legal practice during the
same summer.
At Poyner Spruill, Alston observed the
strategy involved in representing a range
of clients. At Continental, he saw how legal
decision-making operates within the broader
goals and responsibilities of a corporation.
Together, those experiences strengthened his
interest in business litigation and corporate
law.
The summer also introduced him to
practicing attorneys, judges and other law
students throughout Mecklenburg County.
Those relationships reinforced for him that
becoming part of the legal community
should not wait until after graduation.
Alston subsequently joined the Mecklenburg
Bar Association as a law student.
For him, membership provides an
opportunity to continue building the
relationships that began during his summer
in Charlotte and to remain connected to the
professional community he may one day
practice alongside.
His advice to other law students is simple: get
involved before you need something.
“When people have the opportunity to know
you, see how you work, and understand
what you are interested in, relationships
become much more meaningful than simply
exchanging contact information,” Alston said.
For Alston, those relationships are
also connected to something larger,
representation.
As a Black male, first-generation law student
and someone who entered law school after
beginning another career, Alston understands
that the route to becoming an attorney does
not always look the same.
“To me, representation is being able to see
your own success through someone else’s
journey,” he said.
He particularly hopes younger Black students
who may not have lawyers in their families
or communities can see people whose
From Technology to the Law:
Dahvier Alston Builds a New Path in
Mecklenburg County
M B A L A W S T U D E N T S E R I E S
By LaToya Caesar-Crawford, MSEdL, MSEd, MBA Communications Committee
Continued on Page 13
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
10
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After six consecutive years of Robinson Bradshaw claiming the MBA Softball
Championship, Parker Poe ended their championship streak. They defeated
Robinson Bradshaw 26–9 in the final game on August 25 to capture this year’s
title.
Parker Poe’s championship capped off a remarkable season in which the
team went undefeated, carrying its momentum all the way through the final
game. Robinson Bradshaw, which had dominated the league with six straight
championship wins, made another run at the title but came up short against
Parker Poe’s strong offense and teamwork.
Congratulations to Parker Poe on an outstanding season and championship
win, and to all of this year’s MBA softball teams for another fun and competitive
season! A special thank you to League Commissioner Robert Newkirk for his
continued leadership and dedication to making the MBA Softball League a
success year after year.
Players in the Championship Game:
Michael Chen (Co-Captain), Angela Saric (Co-Captain), Madelyn Candela, Tyler
Charlton, Jackson Fisher, Mitchell Henshaw, Taylor Hersch, Kayla McDaniel, Brian
McKinsey, Kolbe McQuaid, Laura Merriman, James Mulvaney, Luke Polson, Drake
Smith, Corey Snead, Colin Stockton, Trevor Wilkinson, Josh Yablonski and William
Zwicharowski
Parker Poe & Friends Claim
MBA Softball Championship
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
11
April 23, 2026, marked a celebratory milestone for the North Carolina Judicial Branch. On that date, it was reported statewide
that 10 million eFilings had traveled through the Enterprise Justice (eCourts) system.
The milestone reflects the scale of the Branch’s digital public services that were implemented in all 100 counties between
February 2023 and October 2025. Online services are the primary infrastructure of the state court system. Many legal actions
that once required travel and in-person appearances during business hours are now managed through convenient digital
applications and remote videoconferencing.
The system includes Guide & File, a free tool that provides step-by-step support to draft and file common legal actions. Public
users conduct nearly seven million monthly searches for court records and information using Portal.
The Judicial Branch, in partnership with the Library of North Carolina, is expanding public awareness of online court services
through the Justice for All | Access for You campaign. The campaign reaches local community centers and education campuses
to advance the mission of North Carolina courts to protect the rights of the people by connecting them with convenient
services.
“Ten million eFilings is more than a metric, it is an important milestone that signals that online services have a positive impact
on the lives of North Carolinians today and into the future,” said Chief Justice Paul Newby. “Our state’s growing population
benefits when courts are designed to serve the needs of the people. E-filing allows us to better meet our constitutional
mandate that the courts shall be open.”
The new technology is also used by law enforcement statewide. The Judicial Branch supports more than 47,000 active law
enforcement officers who have 24/7 access to the Branch’s eWarrants and Enforcement Mobile applications. Law enforcement
agencies use the system to issue citations, serve orders for arrest, and execute warrants.
For more information including training, please visit NCCourts.gov.
Full Steam Ahead: Electronic Filings
Garner Historic Milestone
COURT COMMUNIQUES
By Trial Court Administrator’s
Office-District 26
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
12
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people to the team. If you’d like to help plan
a social event, a community service project,
or a CLE, please fill out the interest form
(MeckBar.org/YLD-committees). We’d love
to hear from you.
And if formal involvement isn’t right for
you just now, that’s fine too. Come to one
of our upcoming events and introduce
yourself. Some of the best connections in our
profession start with a simple hello.
Thank you for all you do for our Bar and our
community. I look forward to seeing you
soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Continued from page 5
YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION
Continued from page 3
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Continued from page 4
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
MEMORIAL SERVICE HONORING
E. OSBORNE “OZZIE” AYSCUE, JR.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
U.S. Federal Courthouse, Courtroom 8
Join us to honor the life and service of
Mr. E. Ozzie Ayscue, Jr.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21
BAR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
KICKOFF DINNER
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Terrace at Cedar Hill
Introduction of the BLI Class of 2027
and remarks by keynote speaker Chris
Lam, BLI Class of 2007 and partner at
Bradley, LLP.
Find all of these events by scanning the
QR code to visit the MeckBar Events
Calendar.
The Western District of North Carolina has also addressed AI by standing order. Its current
AI Standing Order, updated July 29, 2026, appears on the court’s Local Rules and Orders
page. The point is straightforward: technology may help prepare the work, but responsibility
remains with you, the attorney.
Think Before You Prompt
Hallucinated cases attract attention, but confidentiality may present the more common day-
to-day risk. Copying confidential client information into an unsecure AI interface can feel no
different from typing it into any other software. But depending on the platform, information
entered into an AI system may be retained, transmitted to a third party, or used for other
purposes.
The North Carolina State Bar advises lawyers evaluating third-party AI services to consider
the provider’s reputation, security measures, treatment of confidential information, what
happens to information when the relationship ends, and whether the provider retains or
claims rights in submitted information. Significantly, the State Bar concluded that, as of
its 2024 opinion, lawyers generally should avoid entering client-specific information into
publicly available AI resources. The practical rule is simple: before putting client information
into an AI system, understand where that information goes and how it may be used.
AI May Save Time, But You Must Bill for Time Actually Spent
AI also creates a less dramatic but important ethical issue: billing. If you historically spend
three hours drafting standard estate-planning documents but, with AI, can complete the
task in one hour, you cannot bill the client for three hours as though those hours were
actually worked. However, you may consider an appropriate flat-fee arrangement, but any
fee must remain accurate and not clearly excessive – it does not permit you to convert that
efficiency into time that was never spent.
Use the Tool, Own the Work
Artificial intelligence is unlikely to disappear from legal practice, nor should it. Used carefully,
AI can improve efficiency, organize information, identify issues, and reduce repetitive work.
The North Carolina State Bar expressly recognizes those potential benefits.
But AI does not change the fundamental allocation of professional responsibility. It cannot
assume a lawyer’s duty of competence. It cannot protect confidential information unless the
lawyer uses it appropriately. It cannot certify a pleading. And when an AI-generated citation
does not exist, the lawyer remains responsible for having relied on it. The technology has
changed, but our responsibility has not.
Sources
North Carolina State Bar, 2024 Formal Ethics Opinion 1, Use of Artificial Intelligence in a Law Practice (adopted
Nov. 1, 2024)
Doe v. University of North Carolina System, No. 1:23-cv-
00041-MR, Order (W.D.N.C. June 16, 2026).
U.S. District Court for the Western District of North
Carolina, Local Rules and Orders, listing “AI Standing
Order: (updated 7/29/2026).
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
13
Unfortunately, in July 2026, the NC General Assembly passed
provisions in the State’s budget bill that would make the prior year’s
freeze permanent for most civil legal aid organizations by changing
program funding in two major ways:
1.
Redirecting most NC IOLTA funding to Indigent Defense
Services’ (IDS) Private Assigned Counsel Fund, which pays
private attorneys to represent indigent clients; and
2. Implementing provisions that categorically prohibit most civil
legal aid providers in the state from applying for funding.
Let’s look at the first change – the redirection of NC IOLTA funds
to IDS. Indigent defense services are a necessary function: the
State of North Carolina has a constitutional obligation to provide
legal counsel to indigent defendants and is obligated to fund that
constitutional right. However, there is no constitutional right to
civil legal aid, and NC IOLTA was created to help fund this very gap.
It is well-settled that when basic human needs such as housing,
food security, health care, and stable employment go unmet,
involvement in the criminal legal system often increases, leading to
greater demand for criminal defense services. By removing funding
from organizations that help ensure these basic human needs are
met, this legislation shifts already limited resources away from the
purpose for which they were created and toward a constitutional
obligation that is equally important but whose funding properly
rests with the State.
Beyond the blanket reallocation of funds, other program changes
are directly targeted at certain kinds of work our civil legal aid
organizations do. Which leads us to the second funding change
– categorical prohibitions on which civil legal aid organizations
are even eligible to apply for the (few) remaining IOLTA funds not
redirected to indigent defense.
Any entity that provides any federal immigration legal services
is prohibited from applying for NC IOLTA funding, even if those
services are just a portion of their offerings. Almost all civil legal aid
providers who provide immigration services in our state also provide
humanitarian relief. For us at CCLA, that means providing individual
legal assistance to aid victims of family abuse, sexual assault,
human trafficking and gender-based violence, and unaccompanied
migrant children. These forms of relief have been supported on a
bipartisan basis for decades because of the recognition that services
to address violent crime, trafficking, and children’s rights ultimately
make our communities safer. We work in close partnership with
various community partners – domestic violence and sexual assault
agencies and law enforcement alike – to this end. When we lack
funding to do our jobs, it also makes it harder for these partners
to do theirs. Quite frankly, I never thought I’d see a day where this
type of collaborative work that impacts public safety would be
jeopardized in this way.
Entities that provide any representation or advocacy for individuals
seeking gender-affirming health care are also no longer eligible
for funding. At CCLA, we do not directly have projects assigned
to this area. However, we do seek to ensure that ALL PEOPLE –
including low-income children, seniors, people living with disabilities,
immigrants and their families – have fair access to vital health care
and public services. The economic security and well-being of many
families is contingent on their access to these services.
Lastly, any entity that engages in grassroots lobbying or public
advocacy is also not eligible for funding. As a proud American
and believer in our democracy and the rule of law, I value our
constitutional protections. The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment
protects the freedoms of speech, the press, and assembly, which
underpin the right to advocate for policy changes. As subject matter
experts in many civil legal areas here at CCLA, we actively inform
the public on a variety of issues affecting our practice areas that
may in turn impact their lives – issues that affect their basic needs of
safety, stability, and shelter. The idea that civil legal aid organizations
or anyone should be penalized for public advocacy is horrifying.
As Thomas Jefferson once said, “information is the currency of
democracy” and our democracy slowly erodes when we discourage
information sharing with the public.
As saddened as many are by these changes, they are now law and
we must find alternative solutions to help our most vulnerable
neighbors. Many have asked me, “Where do we go from here?
How can we help?” These changes leave us with a smaller civil
legal aid community, but one that is just as committed to helping
our community as ever before. The funding gap is wide, but so,
too, is the need for volunteers to help bridge the services gap.
Success moving forward will undoubtedly require the continued
support of our local legal and pro bono community. To that end, the
Mecklenburg Bar Association is partnering with CCLA, Legal Aid
of North Carolina, and the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s
Office to host a CLE training highlighting the areas of greatest need
for pro bono hours and how attorneys can help bridge the gap.
Please keep an eye out for this opportunity to engage with us.
Editor’s Note: As this article was being prepared for publication, Charlotte Center
for Legal Advocacy, Legal Aid of North Carolina and Pisgah Legal Services filed
a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s new NC IOLTA funding
restrictions. In an official statement, CCLA said, “In proceeding with its legal
challenge, CCLA has not taken this action lightly, but we are compelled to stand
up for the clients we serve, uphold the constitutional principles at stake, protect
the integrity of the IOLTA program, and ensure that these funds continue serving
the North Carolinians they were intended to help.” Read CCLA’s full statement on
the litigation at charlottelegaladvocacy.org.
MBA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: IOLTA FUNDING
Continued from page 1
DAHVIER ALSTON Continued from page 9
backgrounds resemble their own and understand that the
profession can include them, too.
“My journey has not followed a traditional path, and I think
there is value in simply being visible and showing that there
are different ways to get here,” Alston said.
That may ultimately be one of the most important lessons in
Alston’s journey so far.
There is no single path into the legal profession. Sometimes
it begins in a law firm. Sometimes it begins in a classroom.
And sometimes it begins with writing code, solving problems
for federal clients and realizing that the skills you already
possess can become the foundation for an entirely different
way of serving others.
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
14
s h a r e d o f f i c e s p a c e A v a i l a b l e
Office space in building which is one block from the Courthouse. Shared space with 3
other firms. Shared reception/lobby, 2 conference rooms, kitchen. Rental space has two
lawyer offices (one furnished) and area for paralegal. Phone and internet accessibility and
free parking for lawyers, staff and clients. Available November 1, 2026. Located at 128 N.
McDowell Street. Contact bill.elam@elamlawfirm.com or 704-806-3448.
FUND DONORS
Continued from page 7
AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
Continued from page 8
Sometimes that role is as straightforward as
making a useful referral when representation
is not possible. “We cannot take your case”
is very different from “We cannot take your
case, but here is a place that can help you
understand your options.”
Lawyers can also contribute something
less visible but equally important: helping
the rest of the system understand where
people get stuck. Lawyers routinely see
the consequences of confusion after it
has already become expensive, urgent,
or difficult to reverse. That perspective
can help identify places where better
information earlier might prevent escalation.
Please consider sharing information about
Legal Hand NC with your networks. We
assist visitors with family law, housing and
small claims issues. If you think a particular
agency would find Legal Hand NC a helpful
resource for community members, let us
know by emailing us:
northcarolina@legalhand.org.
Visitors can call or text: (984) 464-4406 or
email nchelp@legalhand.org.
Legal Hand hours are: Monday, Tuesday, and
Thursday: 10-4, Wednesday: 10-7 and Friday:
10-1.
Michael Peretz
Jason St. Aubin
Lauren J. Schantz*
Raleigh Shoemaker*
Sarah M. Stone
Richard J. Sugg
Richard M. Thigpen
Kary Church Watson
F. Lee Weaver*
In memory of John Newitt
Lawrence D. Wooden*
*Indicates donors who have supported the
BFF for three consecutive years or more
BFF Honor Roll
The BFF Honor Roll recognizes those
firms and organizations that have 100%
attorney participation in donating to the Bar
Foundation Fund’s Lawyers’ Impact Fund.
Special Thanks to:
Mecklenburg Bar Association Executive
Committee
Mecklenburg Bar Foundation Board of
Directors
Mecklenburg Bar Foundation Executive
Committee
Do you want your firm to receive special
recognition on the BFF Honor Roll?
Contact Development Committee
Chair Julie Bradlow at
jbradlow@darroweverett.com or
mbfgrants@meckbar.org for more
information.
Monthly Lunch Socials
MBA SECTIONS CALENDAR
Virtual Roundtables
Bring your practice questions
and get answers from fellow
section members - without
leaving the office!
MONTHLY EVENTS
Dispute Resolution Section
The 1st Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
November 3 | December 1
Estate Planning & Probate Section
The 2nd Friday of each month at 12:00 p.m.
November 13 | December 11
Join your fellow section members
for an in-person lunch each
month. Locations vary.
Please register in advance.
Business Law Section
The 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:00 p.m.
Complimentary for Business Law Section Members
November 10: The Waterman (South End)
December 8: Cabo Fish Taco (NoDa)
Tax Section
The 2nd Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m.
Complimentary for Tax Section Members
November 18: Pho Good Time (Park Rd)
December 9: Great Wall of China South
(Pineville)
Immigration & Nationality Section
The 2nd Thursday of each month at 12:00 p.m.
Self-pay lunch
November 12: Maharani Indian (Midtown)
December 10: Lunch & Service Project
Que Onda Tacos (Plaza Midwood)
Complimentary for Section Members
Real Property Section
The 3rd Thursday of each month at 12:30 p.m.
Complimentary for Real Property Section Members
November 19: Legion Brewing (Southpark)
December 17: YAFO Kitchen (Dilworth)
Sole Practitioner/Small Firm Section
The 3rd Friday of each month at 12:00 p.m.
Complimentary for SPSF Section Members
November 20: Dilworth Grille (Dilworth)
December 18: The Waterman (South End)
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Section Socials
Expand your network by
attending an upcoming
section social - hosted within
and across MBA Sections!
View the Sections Calendar at MeckBar.org
Section CLEs
MBA Sections are on track to
host over 25 hours of CLE by
the end of 2026, with at least
20 more hours planned by the
February 28 CLE deadline
Take advantage of exclusive CLE discounts
for section members at MeckBar.org
Have questions?
Email sections@meckbar.org
The Civil Litigation and Corporate Counsel
Sections are temporarily postponing their
monthly roundtables - check back in 2027!
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
15
EDITORIAL POLICY AND
DISCLAIMER
This is a joint policy of the 26th Judicial
District Bar (the 26th), the Mecklenburg
Bar Association (MBA), and the
Mecklenburg Bar Foundation (MBF).
The MBA accepts editorial material of
general legal interest to its members and
members of the 26th for inclusion
in the Mecklenburg Bar News,
MeckBar.org, Bar Blasts and related
methods of communication. The
implicit purposes of the Mecklenburg
Bar News, MeckBar.org, Bar Blasts and
related methods of communication are
to provide notices to the membership
of the 26th required by law or in the
organizational bylaws, to educate
members of the MBA on topics related
to the MBA, MBF, and practice of law,
and to maintain shared communication
among the local legal community. The
MBA Communications Committee,
Executive Director and/or the MBA
Executive Committee reserve the right
to accept, reject or edit all material. The
Executive Director is the editor of all
communications.
DISCLAIMER: Efforts will be made to
provide information of interest that is
timely, accurate and relevant to the legal
community. The MBA is not responsible
for misprints, typographical errors or
misinformation in the Mecklenburg
Bar News, MeckBar.org, Bar Blasts and
related methods of communication. The
views and opinions published are not
necessarily those of the 26th,
MBA, and MBF.
2026-27 Communications Committee:
Mikaela Brown (Chair), Edward Woodall
(Vice Chair), LaToya Caesar-Crawford,
Nick D’Auria, Susan Hall, Katherine
Logan, Ashley Oldfield, Jessica Plummer,
Diane Price, McKenna Ronan,
Karmen Tubbs-Myers, and
Meghan Tinkham (Staff Liaison).
Have an idea for an article?
We’d love to hear from you!
The Mecklenburg Bar News is a great
way to share legal insights, practice tips,
updates on emerging issues, or news
from your Section or Committee with the
Mecklenburg legal community.
Pitching your article idea is easy,
complete our online article submission
form at MeckBar.org/submit-news-article
and our editorial team will be in touch.
Whether you’re a first-time contributor or
a regular author, we encourage members
from all practice areas and experience
levels to share their perspectives.
S A V E T H E D A T E :
MBA Volunteers Needed for the
2027 Increasing Diversity
in the Legal Profession Conference
The Mecklenburg Bar Association (MBA) looks forward to hosting the 2027 annual
Increasing Diversity in the Legal Profession Conference on Saturday, March 13, 2027,
in-person at the Levine Recreation and Wellness Center at Queens University in Charlotte.
Since 2006, this free one-day conference has provided students and their guardians with an
interactive overview of the path to a career in the legal field. Participants connect with and
learn from law school representatives, judges, attorneys, and law students through special
activities and panel discussions.
The MBA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pipeline Programming Subcommittee invites all
members to sign up as volunteers for the upcoming 2027 Conference. If you are interested
in volunteering at the 2027 conference, you will:
• Connect with students from middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate
schools
• Lead activities and participate in conversations
• Serve by sharing your career journey to inspire others
Register as a volunteer at MeckBar.org/Diversity-Conference-Volunteers or contact MBA
DE&I Coordinator Kaila Johnson Belton at mentoring@meckbar.org with any questions.
MeckBar.org
November/December 2026
DATED MATERIAL
Mecklenburg Bar Association
P.O. Box 30008
Charlotte, NC 28230
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CHARLOTTE, NC
PERMIT NO. 3337
2026 MBA HOLIDAY PARTY
THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 3
6:00 - 9:00 PM
BREWERS AT 4001 YANCEY
CHARLOTTE
MECKBAR.ORG/
HOLIDAYPARTY2026
TICKETS:
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